honey spice bars

a one bowl dessert

Why are some of my favorite desserts the easiest?

Maybe it’s just the way God tries to convince me that not everything hard is better. I seem to always do it the hard way, the more complicated way.

Remind me to tell you about the way I used to bake with Hershey bars. That’s a story for another time :)

These bars? They prove my subconscious theory wrong because they are DIVINE and easy. Growing up, my Aunt Konnie used to make these for us. I like to think they a gift from the south. That warm, southern goodness that so many long for…they’re in these bars!

Here’s a tip!

If you want these bars to be extra moist, substitute half the butter for your favorite oil of choice—I like to use avocado oil. Enjoy the recipe my Substackers! ILY!

honey spice bars

Ingredients:

For the bars:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup honey

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 egg

• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (use a good brand!)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, or extract

• 1-2 tablespoons whole milk

• Maldon Sea Salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, honey, and sugar in a medium size bowl. Whisk until combined. Add remaining ingredients, except for pecans. Stir until a smooth batter forms. Fold in pecans. Spread batter into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Place in oven on middle rack. Cook for 20 minutes, until just done. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes. Gently press down on the dough with a metal spatula to flatten slightly.

For the glaze: combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined. You want the icing thin. Set aside.

Top bars with glaze, sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool for 15 minutes. Dive in!

Recipe inspo (but heavily modified): Jennifer Cooks.